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Mynd sem tengist textanum

BSc Degree 180 ECTS

Forest Science

The BSc in Forestry focuses on sustainable forest management, forest utilisation, and the restoration of degraded land. The programme provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to manage forests as both renewable natural resources and vital ecosystems.

Forest Science BS

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Do you want to shape the future of forests and landscapes?

Forests play an important role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation. Through this programme, students learn how forests can contribute to sustainable development, environmental protection, and rural economies.

This unique combination of subjects is not offered at any other university in Iceland, making the programme a distinctive opportunity for students interested in the green sector.

The programme is available through both on-campus study and distance learning.

Mynd sem tengist textanum

Course Catalog

Curriculum

  • Are you interested in trees and forest ecosystems?
  • Do you want to learn how to establish and manage forests?
  • Do you enjoy working in natural and green environments?
  • Are you curious about the benefits and uses of forests?
  • Do you want to contribute to land restoration and environmental sustainability?
  • Are you interested in working with renewable natural resources?

The programme provides a strong scientific and practical foundation in forestry and land restoration, combining knowledge from several disciplines.

Students study topics including:

  • Sustainable forest management
  • Forest cultivation and silviculture
  • Forest utilisation and renewable forest resources
  • Ecological restoration of degraded land
  • Planning and management of forestry projects
  • Landscape adaptation and land-use planning

The programme integrates courses from areas such as:

  • Natural sciences
  • Forestry science
  • Ecological restoration
  • Engineering and technical studies
  • Management and economics
  • Geographic information systems (GIS) and landscape studies

Students develop both scientific understanding and practical skills, preparing them for careers as researchers, environmental managers, consultants, or entrepreneurs within the green sector.

A key focus of the programme is understanding forests as:

  • Renewable natural resources that support sustainable economies
  • Complex ecosystems that provide essential environmental services

A matriculation examination (Stúdentspróf), or another upper-secondary qualification recognised as equivalent by the university.

The BSc degree requires 180 ECTS credits, typically completed over three years of full-time study.

Students complete:

  • 60 ECTS credits per year
  • 152 ECTS of core courses
  • 18 ECTS of elective courses

The programme emphasises the sustainable management of natural resources, particularly forestry and the restoration of degraded land—both important priorities for land use in Iceland.

Students develop strong scientific foundations, while also gaining interdisciplinary knowledge that extends beyond traditional academic fields.

The programme is offered both on-campus and distance learning.

The International Office of LBHÍ assists students and staff in participating in studies and collaboration abroad. This includes exchange programmes through Erasmus+ and Nordplus, as well as other exciting international projects. Here you can find information and support for applying for exchange studies, grants, and opportunities to study and work with people from other countries.

Graduates of the BSc in Forestry receive the professional title Forester and may apply for membership in the Icelandic Association of Foresters.

Forestry and land restoration activities are expanding in Iceland, creating growing demand for professionals with specialised expertise in these fields.

Graduates may pursue careers in areas such as:

  • Forestry and land restoration projects
  • Government agencies and environmental institutions
  • Municipal land management and planning
  • Environmental consulting and project management
  • Private forestry and land restoration companies

The programme also prepares students for entrepreneurship within the green sector, where small contracting companies provide services to farmers, municipalities, and landowners.

Additional career opportunities may be found in:

  • Education and training Agriculture and rural development
  • Environmental communication and journalism
  • Public administration

Graduates may also work internationally, particularly in environmental and development projects related to forestry, soil conservation, and ecosystem restoration

The university has an active student association, Nemendafélag LBHÍ, under which various clubs operate and organize events throughout the year, including:

  • Baula – The Bovine club
  • Grani – The Equestrian club
  • Hreðjar – The Ovine club
  • Dafnar – The Forestry Association
  • Genus Loci – Association of Landscape Architecture Students
  • Auður – The Caprine club

Hvanneyri is a rural campus 1 hrs. drive from Reykjavík. Student accommodation is available on campus

Graduates may continue their studies through postgraduate programmes in forestry, ecological restoration, or related environmental sciences. Opportunities include:

Master’s programmes (MSc)

Doctoral studies (PhD)

These programmes allow students to specialise further in areas such as forest ecology, land restoration, sustainable land management, or environmental policy.